Press Release

Case of Legionnaires' disease under CHP investigation

16 April 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 16) investigating a case of Legionnaires' disease (LD) affecting a man aged 58.

The patient, with an underlying medical condition, has presented with fever, cough with blood-stained sputum and headache since April 9. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on the same day, and was subsequently admitted for treatment. His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. His condition has been stable all along.

His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 antigen upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts have so far remained asymptomatic. Investigations are proceeding.

This is the sixth LD case reported to the CHP this year. In 2013 and 2012, 28 cases were filed in each year.

The public may visit the CHP's LD page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html) for further information and corresponding preventive advice.